Tasmanian early learning educators concerned future employees will be turned off profession

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NewsTasmanian early learning educators concerned future employees will be turned off professionBy Michelle WisbeyUpdated July 3 2016 - 12:15pm, first published July 1 2016 - 4:15pmBy

Michelle WisbeyUpdated July 3 2016 - 12:15pm, first published July 1 2016 - 4:15pmFacebookTwitterWhatsappEmailCopyConcern for early learning workers Concerned early childhood educators are

worried poor conditions in the sector could deter potential employees from studying the profession. 

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educators raised concerns over the low pay, high levels of paperwork and lack of recognition they feel they receive. 

While the number of people entering the profession remains constant in the state, stakeholders say many young people stay in the sector for only a few years before walking out. 

In Tasmania, qualifications for early childhood educators include a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, a Certificate III in Education Support and a Diploma of Early

Childhood Education.

Despite a relatively high number of students completing these courses, educators are worried young people would not be there to take jobs in the future. 

Staff also raised concerns over the draft education act’s proposal to lower Tasmania’s compulsory school starting age to four and a half years old, claiming this would take jobs away from 

the sector as children move into formal schooling earlier.

Education Minister Jeremy Rockliff said the change was about equity for Tasmanians. 

“This creates a significant opportunity for those Tasmanians who haven’t been able to access early learning because of the cost,” Mr Rockliff said.

“Almost half of our children miss out on high quality early learning because many families cannot afford child care or private education.”

Northern Children’s Network chief executive Steve Yates said it was sad to see a lack of value for the profession. 

“We’ve moved from the vilified babysitter to now realising that we’re actually under a national quality framework,” Mr Yates said. 

“I’ve seen people that have had something really worthwhile to contribute but they get to the stage where they can’t do it anymore. These people have a major impact on our children’s lives.”

Launceston early childhood educator Alison Keddie said to attract more staff, the industry needed to provide better conditions.

“I think just being able to have to educators within a better place within themselves with that financial security and stability would flow on for the benefit of the children,” Mrs Keddie

said.

“Having regular staff members and having staff members who aren’t needing to work extra jobs would definitely be a benefit.”

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